trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a disease that involves recurrent, irrististable urges to pull one's hair out.

Causes
The cause of trichotillomania is unknown. However, like many complex disorders, trichotillomania probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may play a critical in trichotillomania.

characteristics

• hair pulling from self, pets, clothes or blankets as well
• actions usually concealed; focussed vs. automatic
• negative emotions; can be accompanied by depression or OCD
• usually develops before or during early teens (age 11-13)
• More common in women; childhood: equal for both sexes

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signs/symptoms

• repetitive pulling out of hair
• sense of pleasure after hair is pulled
• increased tension before pulling or resisting
• shortened hair, thin or bald areas
• emotional distress, social/job functioning problems

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Testing Procedures

While it is visually obvious to a doctor when one has trichotillomania, further measures should also be taken to confirm the disorder. By talking to your doctor & filling out questionnaires other possible causes can be ruled out. (other diseases, medications, etc.)

Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with trichotillomania, you must meet criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Prognosis
While trichotillomania is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder, certain measures can be taken to aleviate or completely stop the urges to pull one's hair. There is no specific medication, antidepressant or antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed. Cognitive or acceptance therapies are also very helpful for long-lasting commitments. Thankfully, most cases can be stopped within a few weeks or months, with a few rare cases lasting several years.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trichotillomania/basics/defin...
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3f/Rumination_distribution_by_ag...